Steve Benson,
NS 402, 510-885-3470
stephen.benson@csueastbay.edu

The research interests in my lab are focused in two general areas: sea urchin development and testing of novel antiproliferative compounds for cells. In the sea urchin system we are employing cellular and molecular approaches to investigate the role of laminin alpha-chain in morphogenesis and skeleton formation during embryonic development. My laboratory is also investigating new derivatives of a class of compounds termed thizolidinediones (TZD). With collaborators at U.C. San Francisco we are synthesizing and testing new TZD's in a mammalian cell culture system for antiproliferative properties. These compounds are potentially useful in treating hyper proliferative diseases such as restenosis, psoriasis and cancer.

Recent Publications:
1. Benson, S., Padmanabhan, S., Kurtz, T., Pershadsingh, H. (2000). PPAR gamma expression in human vascular smooth muscle cells: Inhibition of growth, migration and c-fos expression by the PPARY activator troglitazone. American Journal of Hypertension. 13,74-82.

2. Morikang E, Benson SC, Kurtz TW, Pershadsingh, H. (1997). Effects of thiazolidinediones on growth and differentiation of human aorta and coronary myocytes. American Journal of Hypertension, 10:440-446.

3. Benson, S., Rosenthal, E., Ingersoll, E., Dungca, K., Page, L. Signor, D. (1999). Developmental characterization of the gene for laminin alpha-chain in sea urchin embryos. Mechanisms of Development. 81, 37-49.